In the ever-evolving world of recruitment, one question continues to spark debate: are cover letters still relevant in 2025? For decades, cover letters have been a staple of the hiring process, giving candidates a chance to showcase their personality and motivations beyond their CV. But with the rise of AI-driven hiring tools and increasing emphasis on efficiency, the role of cover letters is being redefined.
For recruiters, HR professionals, and hiring managers, understanding whether cover letters still have a place in modern hiring practices is essential. Let’s explore the current landscape and what it means for you.
Are Cover Letters Still Relevant?
The short answer? It depends. While cover letters remain a valuable tool in certain contexts, their importance has been challenged by advancements in recruitment technology and shifting candidate expectations. Here are the key insights shaping this debate:
1️⃣ Efficiency Over Tradition
Recruiters are under pressure to fill roles faster than ever. Traditional methods like manually reading dozens (or even hundreds) of cover letters can be time-consuming and prone to bias. Modern tools like CandiScreen streamline this process with AI-powered assessments that focus on a candidate’s skills, effort, and suitability. These tools eliminate the guesswork, offering clear pass/fail recommendations and saving recruiters hours of manual screening.
This shift towards efficiency means many recruiters are now prioritising data-driven insights over subjective cover letter reviews.
2️⃣ The Rise of AI in Recruitment
AI is transforming hiring practices, enabling recruiters to evaluate candidates more fairly and transparently. Platforms like CandiScreen provide behavioural insights and trust scores to help assess candidates objectively, reducing the reliance on traditional documents like cover letters. By analysing factors like focus time, engagement, and response quality, AI tools offer a more comprehensive view of a candidate’s potential.
In 2025, many recruiters are asking: why rely on a cover letter when AI can provide deeper, unbiased insights?
3️⃣ Candidates Are Adapting
Candidates are also evolving with the times. Many job seekers now prefer to showcase their skills through portfolios, LinkedIn profiles, or AI-powered assessments, rather than crafting a traditional cover letter. They value streamlined application processes and are more likely to engage with companies that embrace modern hiring tools.
That said, cover letters still hold value in specific industries or senior-level roles where personalisation and storytelling are critical. In these cases, a well-crafted cover letter can set a candidate apart. However, for high-volume recruitment or entry-level roles, they’re increasingly being replaced by faster, more objective methods.
What Should Recruiters Do in 2025?
So, should you ditch cover letters altogether? Not necessarily. Here’s how to approach the question:
- Know Your Industry: In creative fields or leadership roles, cover letters can still be a powerful tool. For high-volume or skills-based roles, consider relying on AI-driven assessments instead.
- Embrace Technology: Use platforms like CandiScreen to automate pre-screening and gain deeper insights into candidates. With features like AI-generated questions and transparent analytics, you can make smarter hiring decisions without relying on subjective cover letters.
- Offer Flexibility: Give candidates the option to submit a cover letter if they feel it adds value, but don’t make it mandatory for every role.
Final Thoughts
While cover letters are no longer a one-size-fits-all solution, they still have a place in recruitment—albeit a smaller one. The key for recruiters in 2025 is to strike the right balance between tradition and innovation. By embracing AI-driven tools like CandiScreen, you can focus on what truly matters: identifying the best talent for the job.
What’s your take? Are cover letters still a must-have in your hiring process, or have you moved on to more efficient methods? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Ready to revolutionise your hiring process? Get started with CandiScreen for free today and discover how AI can save you time and help you make smarter hiring decisions.
`